Wayne Kimmel


Wayne Kimmel is an American venture capitalist, investor and author. He is the founder and Managing Partner of SeventySix Capital. Philadelphia Magazine named Kimmel one of Philadelphia's "Top Innovators."

Early life and education

Kimmel was born in Wilmington, Delaware and attended The Tatnall School. His father, Morton, was a notable lawyer based in Wilmington. Kimmel has two sisters, Michelle and Karan, and an adopted brother, Larry. Kimmel attended the University of Maryland where he was a broadcaster for their football and basketball teams.

Career

Kimmel got his start as a venture capitalist working for Pete Musser at Safeguard Scientifics. Kimmel moved onto Safeguard's campus in Wayne, Pennsylvania and created a venture capital fund that was connected to Safeguard. Musser then challenged Kimmel to raise $9 million to work with, but Kimmel ended up raising $19 million.

SeventySix Capital

In 1999, Kimmel founded ETF Venture Funds, which invested in startups relating to sports, esports, sports gambling and tech. ETF Venture Funds changed their name to SeventySix Capital in 2010. SeventySix Capital has invested in many successful startups including Whistle Sports Network, Indiegogo, ReverbNation and Nutrisystem. In total, SeventySix Capital’s portfolio companies have raised more than $5 billion.
Notable athletes including Ryan Howard, Brian Westbrook, Emmanuel Sanders, Ralph Sampson and DeMarco Murray are all part of SeventySix Capital's Athlete Venture Group, which provides athletes with opportunities to invest and become entrepreneurs.

Author

Kimmel is a published author. He authored a book titled, "Six Degrees of Wayne Kimmel." The book deals with his career as a venture capitalist and offers advice for entrepreneurs.

Personal life

Kimmel is Jewish. He lives in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania with his wife, Kimby and his two kids.
Kimmel serves as the Treasurer and a Board member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and sits on the Board of Trustees of the Jewish Federations of North America. He also serves as a board member and the Chairman of the Development Committee at the Einstein Healthcare Network.